Leroy Scott, the Chief Public Health Inspector for St Ann, has called on residents to take immediate action to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in the wake of Hurricane Melissa and ongoing rainfall. Speaking at the St Ann Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on Thursday, Scott highlighted a concerning surge in mosquito breeding, particularly of the Culex species, which thrive in flooded areas, clogged drains, and stagnant water collections. Unlike the Aedes aegypti mosquito, Culex mosquitoes do not breed in containers but instead in debris, ponds, and natural water accumulations left by the storm. Scott emphasized that these mosquitoes attack in swarms and are persistent, making the situation particularly challenging. He urged residents to clear debris, unblock drains, and remove fallen trees and vegetation to mitigate the issue. The health department has intensified its efforts with larvicidal treatments, oiling of temporary water accumulations, and a rigorous fogging schedule over the next five weeks. Scott advised residents to protect themselves by staying indoors when possible, as the Culex mosquitoes are larger, darker, and more aggressive than other species.
标签： Jamaica
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Former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s facing threats ‘fueled’ by president
WASHINGTON, United States — Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican congresswoman and former staunch ally of Donald Trump, revealed on Saturday that she is facing a surge of threats following a public fallout with the former president. Greene, 51, who once championed Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, has recently distanced herself from him amid growing controversies surrounding the U.S. cost of living crisis and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
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Scream: A ghoulish dance party, full of vibes
The fourth edition of Scream, a Halloween-themed party, took place last Saturday at the Mas Camp venue, drawing a vibrant crowd of university and college students. Attendees showcased their creativity with an array of costumes, ranging from eccentric professionals to iconic superheroes. The venue was transformed into a spooky wonderland, with tunnels adorned with skeletons, bats, spiders, and other Halloween-themed decorations. The musical lineup was a perfect blend of Halloween classics and contemporary hits, including Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ Bobby Pickett’s ‘Monster Mash,’ and Ray Parker Jr.’s ‘Ghostbusters.’ DJs like Jamdonn & TZ, Fyahman, and Vinchi kept the energy high with a mix of Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip hop, reggae, and pop. Micha’el Meggo, a University of the West Indies student dressed as the Mad Hatter, praised the event for its creative costumes and the moment of silence observed for Hurricane Melissa victims. Dajae Forrester, another student, highlighted the patrons’ commitment to their characters and the seamless music selection. Keifa Desnoes, the event’s director, expressed satisfaction with the growing support and creativity each year. Scream targets young adults and the working class, offering a unique Halloween experience in Jamaica. The event also collected donations for hurricane relief, demonstrating the community’s solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
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Joint Dominican-US operation halts alleged cocaine-smuggling boat
In a significant joint operation, authorities in the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with the United States, intercepted a boat carrying approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine off the Dominican coast. The operation, conducted on Saturday, was part of the United States Southern Command’s initiative, Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. The National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) stated that the operation involved extensive efforts by air, sea, and land to capture the suspects and seize the narcotics. Two Dominican nationals were arrested, and 484 packets of cocaine were confiscated from the 27-foot-long boat, which was equipped with two outboard motors. The DNCD emphasized its close cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in executing this operation. Operation Southern Spear, announced by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is part of a broader military deployment in Latin America to target drug-running operations allegedly managed by ‘narco-terrorist’ cartels. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused US President Donald Trump of planning operations to overthrow his government. Since September, the US has conducted strikes on 21 suspected drug-trafficking boats in the region, resulting in at least 80 deaths. The US has also accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for his capture. On Friday, Trump hinted at having ‘sort of’ decided his next steps regarding Venezuela but provided no further details.
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‘Not foolproof, but stronger’
In the wake of extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, telecommunications giant Digicel is considering a strategic shift toward underground fibre systems to fortify its network against future natural disasters. The company’s CEO, Stephen Murad, revealed this during a recent session of Jamaica’s Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee at Gordon House, where Members of Parliament (MPs) urged the telecom provider to expedite long-term plans for safeguarding national connectivity.
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Grandstand tickets sold out for Reggae Boyz’ deciding World Cup qualifier
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Reggae Boyz are set to face Curacao in a high-stakes match at the National Stadium on Tuesday, aiming for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, scheduled for 7 pm, has already seen the $8,000 Grandstand tickets sold out, though other seating options like Bleachers ($2,000), Premium Bleachers ($4,000), VIP ($12,500), and Skyline Seats ($25,000) remain available as of Saturday evening. This match is pivotal for Jamaica, as a victory would secure their second World Cup appearance, nearly three decades after their debut in 1998. The urgency follows a recent 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago, which dropped Jamaica to second place in Group B with 10 points. Meanwhile, Curacao’s dominant 7-0 win over Bermuda has propelled them to the top of the group with 11 points, leaving Jamaica with no margin for error. Rudolph Speid, Chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation Technical Committee, has called for nationwide support, urging fans to don yellow and fill the 29,000-seat National Stadium. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Jamaica seeks to reclaim their position and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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Christopher Martin Foundation brings hope to children affected by Hurricane Melissa
In a heartwarming collaboration, the Christopher Martin Foundation joined forces with the Bright Beginnings Charity Group to bolster the ‘Bringing Hope’ initiative, a youth-driven project aimed at providing solace and essential support to children severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This partnership brought comfort and aid to over 200 children aged 10 to 16 in Trelawny, focusing on the communities of Zion and Kinloss, as well as those temporarily residing at Holland High School and William Knibb High School.
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Curacao coach Advocaat leaves camp for personal reasons ahead of Jamaica match
In a surprising turn of events, Curacao’s head coach Dick Advocaat has temporarily departed from the team’s training camp in Kingston, Jamaica, citing personal reasons. The announcement was made by the Curacao Football Federation on Saturday evening, just days before the decisive World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on Tuesday. The federation expressed its full support for Advocaat’s decision, with President Gilbert Martina stating, ‘We respect the decision of the head coach. The entire federation stands behind him.’
During Advocaat’s absence, assistant coaches Dean Gorré and Cor Pot will take charge of training sessions, match preparations, and other team activities. Despite his physical absence, Advocaat will remain actively involved in strategic decisions, maintaining regular communication with Gorré and Pot to ensure continuity in tactics and player management.
Curacao currently leads their World Cup qualification group with 11 points, just one point ahead of Jamaica. A draw in the upcoming match would secure Curacao’s automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team previously defeated Jamaica 2-0 in their last encounter in Curacao, boosting their confidence ahead of this critical fixture.
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Delicate balance
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is walking a fine line between compassion and legal constraints as he seeks to assist Raquel, a single mother struggling to recover from the storm’s devastation. Raquel, who relocated to a concrete house in Catherine Hall, St James, before the hurricane hit, has been unable to afford the $40,000 needed to remove debris and stagnant mud from her property. The foul-smelling waste has rendered her home uninhabitable, forcing her and her six-year-old child to flee. Raquel’s catering business has also been severely impacted, leaving her financially strained. Despite the challenges, Mayor Vernon has pledged to find a solution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries. State resources, he explained, are allocated for public infrastructure, not private property. However, he has enlisted local representative Dwight ‘Debo’ Crawford to mobilize community support for Raquel. Vernon stressed the need to avoid misappropriation of public funds while ensuring that those in need receive assistance. Raquel’s plight highlights the broader struggles faced by Catherine Hall residents, many of whom are grappling with flood damage, debris, and disrupted livelihoods. During a recent town hall meeting, Vernon addressed these issues, discussing flood relief, water supply, and aid distribution. Raquel’s story underscores the urgent need for community-driven solutions in the face of natural disasters.
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Manchester honours educators, firefighters in Empowerment and Recognition Programme
In a recent ceremony held in Manchester, Jamaica, the Manchester Empowerment and Recognition Programme honoured eight exceptional educators and three courageous firefighters for their significant contributions to nation-building and community resilience. The event, themed “I Am Built for Greatness: Igniting Passion in the Lives of Our Students,” was hosted by Garfield S Green, Custos Rotulorum for Manchester. Originally designed to recognise educators, the programme was expanded to include firefighters, acknowledging their vital role in safeguarding lives and properties. The eight educators received the Custos’ Award for Excellence in Education, celebrating their dedication to shaping character, inspiring excellence, and fostering national development through education. Similarly, the three firefighters were lauded as builders of bravery for their fearless service and unwavering commitment to protecting communities. Guest speaker Joan A Davis-Williams, an education consultant, delivered an inspiring address, urging attendees to reflect on personal growth and professional purpose. She used metaphors of life’s burdens and cutlery to emphasise the importance of staying sharp, polished, and ready to serve with excellence. The event was supported by key sponsors, including the British Council, Juici Patties, and Toyota Jamaica. In his opening remarks, Custos Green highlighted the transformative power of educators and firefighters, stating that greatness is not merely taught but ignited through their actions.